Hope for Homeowners

Here's an overview of the program aimed at homeowners behind on their mortgages that was contained in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 passed in July.

You're eligible if


•The home is your primary residence, and you have no ownership interest in any other residential property.


•Your mortgage was originated on or before Jan. 1, 2008, and you have made at least six payments.


•You cannot pay the existing mortgage without help.


•As of March 2008, your total monthly mortgage payments were more than 31 percent of your gross monthly income.


•You can certify you have not been convicted of fraud in the past 10 years, intentionally defaulted on debts, and did not knowingly or willingly provide material false information to obtain your existing mortgage.


Here's HUD's link.